Why should I be surprised? Advancing technology is making it easier than ever for people to be more flexible in business. The idea of someone running an entire business from home now seems very realistic.

76% of homepreneurs have never been involved in running a business before.

It’s easy for those of us who have been in business for a while to forget the challenges of starting a new business.

Like riding a bike. What can be so difficult? Until you get on the bike! At which point you realise that balance is key. So it is with a new business requiring so many areas that need attention. Aspects of the business that frankly, you don’t have the aptitude, skills or interest in.

Naturally, each person will approach the challenges of their new business with enthusiasm, often confused with ‘ignorance on fire’. I know, I’ve been there.

Embark on a new business and you can plan your strategy, product or service development, your marketing. You can control your expenses, manage your cash flow etc. but you can’t do everything yourself, even though you might think you can.

Just like we underestimate the calories we consume and overestimate the exercise we take, we are not brilliant at everything. Choose your surrogate support team carefully.

Surround yourself with people who will support and inspire you to be more than you believe you are. You will get to where you want to go, faster and with less heartache.

Oh, to see into the future. To be able to avoid the challenges and have someone who has ‘been there’. Worry not, if you can get through it before your funds run out (cash flow is a major cause of business failure) you are awarded a ‘been there – got the t-shirt’ badge. It’s called experience. Hopefully, a profitable one.

Walk in the footprints of those who have already been where you want to go.

At SmartPA, we provide more than the services we invoice. We provide an emotional intelligence and desire to help entrepreneurs achieve more.

Our franchisees bring their own individual experiences in business and provide a support system that inspires people to be, do and have more.

And for those homepreneurs who are considering starting up their own virtual PA services, I say this. Why on earth would you want to face the challenges on your own when you can take advantage of the experience of a team who have laid down the footprints.

Rebecca Cross is an Award Winning Virtual PA working with Smart PA. Her background experience working with IBM and the Wall Street Journal provides invaluable experience. She specialises in providing creative business and administration support for entrepreneurs and business owners who understand the value of working on their business, rather than in their business. She is especially looking to work with business start-ups, entrepreneurs and professionals who travel extensively